Houseparents retire after 16 years of ministry
Floyd and Jane Killough never had any children of their own, but they have become surrogate parents for countless children at the Baptist Home for Children in Monticello prior to their retirement Feb. 28.
For more than 16 years, the duo has served as houseparents for the Monticello Home, the flagship campus of Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries. (ABCHomes). When they retired, the Killoughs were the longest tenured houseparent couple on the ABCHomes’ staff.
“It has been a blessing for us to serve at the Baptist Home,” shared Jane. “It has been wonderful!”
The Killoughs first arrived at the Baptist Home Sept. 23, 1994, after feeling God’s call on their lives to minister to children. At first, they served as relief houseparents for Barton East and West cottages. Soon after, they became full-time houseparents at Barton East cottage, home to as many as eight teenage girls every day. They’ve been there ever since.
Over the years, Jane has been known for her love of cooking, decorating, sewing and scrapbooking. She’s shared these talents with countless girls.
On any given summer day, Floyd could often be found on the riding lawn mower, cutting the entire campus’ lawn. At other times, he was busy with electrical or plumbing issues.
Both were committed to building relationships with the girls. At times, this meant simply sharing a bag of peanuts with Maggie* who prior to coming to the Home had not allowed anyone to get close to her, offering a hug to Vicki whose mother did not show up for a visit or teaching Sarah how to make fresh lemonade. “We wanted the girls to know they were loved,” said Floyd.
The duo will not soon forget the many opportunities they had to share the gospel message with girls and the joy of accompanying them to First Baptist Church of Monticello. Recalling two sisters, who made a profession of faith in Christ and were later baptized together, Jane said, “It was times like that when we were assured we were in God’s will.”
Calling the Killoughs, “Awesome,” Former Resident Shannon Mcgee, said, “I have always thought the world of Jane and Floyd … They are the most loving and patient people anyone could meet. Their presence will be greatly missed.”
The couple was honored for their longtime ministry to ABCHomes during a dinner on the Monticello campus, Feb. 28. Guests included the Home staff and residents, as well as a host of family, friends and former residents.
“I love Mrs. Jane,” said Julie, a Barton East resident following the dinner. “I can’t think about she and Mr. Floyd not being here.”
Randy Luper, director of the Home, praised the couple.“For almost 17 years, Floyd and Jane have been committed servants to God’s calling to care for children in need at the Arkansas Baptist Home for Children,” said Luper. “It would be difficult to find two more talented, hardworking individuals.
“I will especially miss Mrs. Jane’s creative touch at our special events, and I will miss the many hours Floyd would spend on grounds maintenance. They have well earned their retirement, but I am sure they will continue to minister to others wherever God leads them.”
Prior to joining the Baptist Home, Floyd was a farmer for 43 years in Northeast Arkansas. Jane was a housewife. First Baptist Church of Caraway is their home church.
In retirement, the couple will stay in Monticello, and they don’t’ plan on being strangers at the Home.
“We hope to maybe be mentors, take the girls to dinner or have them over to our house,” shared Jane, adding that she will continue helping the girls in scrapbooking projects. “We may be retiring, but we won’t be far away.
“Our ministry will just be in a different capacity.”
(*names changed for privacy)